REACH IN ACTION
WORKING TOGETHER, MAKING A DIFFERENCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
2011: A year of action
2
REACH Report Recommendations
3
Message from Mayor Stephen Mandel
4
Inside Talk: Conversation with REACH Board Chair Jon Hall
5
Inside Talk: Conversation with REACH Executive Director Jan Fox
6
Spotlight on Action: 24/7
8
Spotlight on Action: Violence Reduction Action Plan (VRAP)
10
Spotlight on Action: REACH Youth Programs
12
Spotlight on Action: REACH Immigrant and Refugee Initiative (RIRI)
14
Spotlight on Action: Schools As Community Hubs (SACH)
16
Spotlight on Action: More REACH Programs
19
REACH Financial Statements
20
REACH Call to Action Our Team
21
Our Thanks
REACH Edmonton Council for Safe Communities has a very clear goal: to make Edmonton a safer community in one generation, by focusing on crime prevention. At REACH, we believe that the best solutions to community safety will come from the grassroots – the organizations, agencies, businesses, groups and individuals who know and understand their community.
REACH IN ACTION
WORKING TOGETHER, MAKING A DIFFERENCE
REACH is unique in Canada. We’re arm’s length from government, community-based and a not-for-profit. REACH is not a direct service provider. Rather, we’re a catalyst. We work with community groups, organizations and agencies to make current crime prevention programs even better, and to develop new approaches and programs. We strive to be a centre for excellence, a place where innovation is encouraged. We work with Edmontonians to try new ways of making our city safer. Our success depends on a true collaboration: with three levels of government, with agencies, community organizations and the corporate sector. Our vision is a city in which every Edmontonian contributes to a community where everyone is safe and feels safe. Our mission is to be a centre of excellence that inspires citizen engagement and coordinated agency action to strengthen and sustain community safety in Edmonton. Our history began with Mayor Stephen Mandel’s 2008 Taskforce on Community Safety, which was directed to address the root causes of crime and provide recommendations that would make a lasting difference in Edmonton. The Taskforce produced the REACH Report which contained nine recommendations.
2011 : A year of action This is our second year in existence – and REACH is making a difference. We’re involved in more than 30 projects city-wide, that all have diverse approaches to prevention and safety and we’ve further enhanced our valued partnership with the Edmonton Police Service (EPS). When Edmonton's refugee and immigrant community told us more needed to be done to prevent family violence, REACH worked with community members to develop several new programs
including a discussion group with primarily African men. When Edmonton’s homicide rate went up in 2011, REACH responded, joining a partnership with the City of Edmonton and EPS to implement the Violence Reduction Action Plan. On other fronts: we brought emergency responders and front line service providers together to learn about cutting edge research on psychological first aid; we partnered with Homeward Trust to talk with vulnerable
populations about the 24/7 Service Delivery Model we’re developing at REACH; and we partnered with Edmonton Catholic Schools and the Centre for Race and Culture with the OTI NIKAN program to help teens connect with elders, learn leadership through performance arts, and develop confidence and knowledge about themselves. REACH also made a big move this year: out of City of Edmonton office space into an office of our own, becoming an organization independent of the City. This annual report highlights just some of the work REACH has been doing in 2011 to make Edmonton a safer city.
1
REACH Report Recommendations
Message from
Mayor Stephen Mandel
At REACH Edmonton our mandate is to implement the REACH Report recommendations, to guide a culture shift to the prevention of crime, engage citizens and enhance more integrated efforts to address community safety. The nine REACH Report Recommendations focus on three strategic areas:
n Investing in children, youth and families
n Driving change in the coordination and delivery of programs
RECOMMENDATION 1:
RECOMMENDATION 4:
A new model of family and community safety focusing on Schools as Neighborhood Access Points to social support services
A 24/7 Service Delivery Model for high-needs individuals
RECOMMENDATION 2:
Cultural Community Groups: Work with community leaders from Aboriginal and Multicultural Communities to develop and implement innovative models for engagement within cultural contexts
RECOMMENDATION 5: Develop a “Turn Away from Gangs” initiative focused on at-risk youth RECOMMENDATION 3: Community coordination on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
2
RECOMMENDATION 6: Neighbourhood Organizing Initiative: Implement a new Neighbourhood Organizing Model in several diverse areas of Edmonton to develop grassroots community leaders who support a preventative approach to community safety
n Developing community leaders who promote a preventive approach to community safety RECOMMENDATION 7: A new Community Safety Coordinating Council to facilitate and integrate sustainable community safety efforts RECOMMENDATION 8: A Sustainability Strategy for Prevention RECOMMENDATION 9: An innovative Evaluation Framework to measure success
Little did we know in 2008, at the first meeting of Edmonton’s Taskforce on Community Safety, how far we would have come in four short years. What began with a group of dedicated volunteers, who had a vision, is now REACH Edmonton – an independent, unique community safety agency that hit the ground running and hasn’t stopped since. In 2011, REACH took action on many fronts. In particular, when our city’s homicide rate rose dramatically, REACH was ready to respond as a key partner with the City of Edmonton and the Edmonton Police Service. We worked closely to develop the Violence Reduction Action Plan. VRAP targets both violence reduction and crime prevention: addressing the conditions that lead to social disorder and the needs of our most vulnerable communities.
Together our partnership identified key areas of VRAP focus, which included accelerating the development of the REACH coordinated 24/7 Service Delivery Model. City Council approved additional funding for this initiative, which is working toward ensuring help is available for people at risk any time of the day or night, seven days a week. This work was done at the same time REACH hit two other milestones in its young life: Jan Fox joined the REACH team as its first permanent executive director and REACH moved away from City of Edmonton office space and administrative support into a new downtown office. These achievements solidify REACH as an independent agency, and I am fully confident the City of Edmonton will not only maintain, but will grow our close and productive working relationship as we move forward together.
While there’s been great change at REACH in 2011, the foundation upon which it is built remains strong: REACH is a community-driven agency that partners with people, acting as a catalyst to enhance good work already being done and opening doors to new approaches aimed at making Edmonton a safer place to live. Congratulations REACH, I am looking forward your on-going growth and success!
Stephen Mandel
3
Q A
REACH celebrated its second birthday in 2011 – what were some of the highlights of this year? It’s tough to know where to begin! This has been an action packed year. Our staff has worked
tirelessly, and the Board has spent a great deal of time on planning and governance, clearly defining our role in Edmonton. But I’d say several events in 2011 really stand out: n The turnout to our first REACH Annual general meeting June 13. n Planning and implementing the Violence Reduction Action Plan. n Having Edmonton’s new Police Chief Rod Knecht join the REACH Edmonton Board. n Selecting Jan Fox as new Executive Director of REACH. n Moving to our new downtown offices and hosting our Open House. n Developing a strategic plan and a board policy model for the REACH Board of Directors. 4
REACH has moved out of City of Edmonton offices and into its own space. What difference does that make?
Q
Well, first off, REACH couldn’t have built its strong foundation in our first year (2010) without a close association with the City of Edmonton. But by 2011, it was time to establish a separate and distinct REACH identity. We have two major funders: The City of Edmonton and the Government of Alberta, and we wanted to be physically close to both. So in October, REACH left the CN Tower city offices and moved into the Baker Centre. And even though we’re now physically and functionally separate, the City, in particular Community Services, continues to be a strong partner and champion. It’s our goal to grow this positive and mutually beneficial relationship.
A
Q A
What are some of the challenges facing REACH Edmonton as it matures?
Securing sustainable funding for REACH initiatives is the first thing that comes to mind. As well, Edmonton City Council increasingly relies on REACH to not only serve in a catalyzing role as a coordinating
INSIDE TALK:
INSIDE TALK:
A conversation with
A conversation with
Jon Hall
Jan Fox
REACH Board Chair
REACH Executive Director
council for community safety, but to also provide crime prevention and community safety expertise. So we’ll need to increase the REACH ability and capacity to serve as a centre for excellence. REACH Edmonton is a unique community-based crime prevention organization. What have you learned this year about running the organization?
Q
I’ve been delighted and deeply impressed by the dedication of the REACH team. It’s true that great things come in small packages! Our staff of 10 people listens carefully to what the community is saying and empowers people to work toward making Edmonton a safer place. I’m also so encouraged by the City of Edmonton and the Government of Alberta – and their willingness to support and fund our innovative approach. And I’m continually reminded, that people from all walks of life really do want to get involved and make a difference. We see it in our stakeholders, our partners, our members and so many others who we’ve talked to this year.
A
You started with REACH late in 2011. What interested you about the organization and why did you take on the position?
Q
I was a REACH member prior to applying for the position so I knew quite a bit about REACH’s mission and the good work it was already doing. I came to REACH after a lengthy career with Corrections Canada, where I had grown to understand the value of crime prevention and its importance in making a community safe. I knew firsthand the kinds of things that caused people to come into conflict with the law. I am so happy now to have a chance to apply this experience; addressing root causes of crime and helping keep people out of jail!
A
Q A
Have you had surprises in your first year on the job? Were there some adjustments to make?
REACH is a very small organization doing a very big job. I am amazed at how fast-paced this job is and how quickly the REACH team is able to take decisive action and to make a very real difference in the lives of Edmontonians. Also, REACH Edmonton is managed by a Board of Directors, which has been incredibly supportive
and continues to be extremely helpful in helping me build an even stronger foundation for the organization. I was also very pleased to see the level of support REACH has from Mayor Mandel and Edmonton City Council. Our REACH model is unique in Canada and that’s a direct result of this Council’s commitment to community safety. Most of all, I feel so fortunate and proud to have inherited such a strong, hardworking and dedicated REACH team. You were on the job for three months in 2011. What were your short term goals? How did you go about achieving them?
Q
My primary goal was to increase REACH’s profile and create greater awareness about the organization that I am proud to lead. I also felt it was essential to forge positive and sustainable relationships with our current supporters and partners and to expand our circle of influence and seek out new relationships; most notably with EPS and the many service delivery agencies. I was very busy in 2011 making presentations and meeting with elected officials, community leaders and many of our wonderful partners.
A
Q A
What are your top priorities in 2012?
I will continue to make presentations and to speak on behalf of REACH. I also hope to secure sustainable funding for many of our most important initiatives. REACH will of course also continue working closely with its partners EPS and the City of Edmonton Community Services in the implementation of the Violence Reduction Action Plan. In 2012, strategic components of the 24/7 initiative will start being actualized and implemented. We’ll launch a new website that will serve as a resource hub and in addition to our many existing activities we will be creating new opportunities for partnerships and crime prevention programs. I also hope to have our members more involved in the work REACH is doing.
5
SPOTLIGHT ON ACTION:
24/7 : what you should know The REACH 24/7 Service Delivery Model being developed is unique in North America.
24/7 People who are at risk, who feel threatened or find themselves alone without a place to sleep, don’t stop needing help when the work day ends. That’s what the REACH 24/7 Service Delivery Model is about: providing round-the-clock, 7-day-a-week crisis intervention and prevention services to people at risk. REACH is collaborating on this with Edmonton’s existing frontline agencies, the Edmonton Police Service and emergency services; coordinating expertise and resources to further the development of the 24/7 initiative.
24/7 Service Delivery
n Will address a variety of immediate needs: medical, mental, emotional, physical, social and basic needs. n Will be available through multiple points of entry, with a strong outreach component. n Will be delivered by highly-trained, multi-disciplinary teams of staff who receive ongoing training and support.
Community engagement
Real time information sharing system
Digging deeper
Specialized training for front line staff
In early 2011, REACH and Homeward Trust held a community engagement, asking people who currently use social support services their thoughts about the 24/7 model. Five themes emerged:
In May 2011, we further refined and defined how 24/7 service should be delivered, working with people from various organizations in Edmonton who have experience in a 24/7 emergency or social service setting, or who work with complex systems and community change efforts. Together we identified ‘simple rules’ to govern operational aspects, changes needed to offer enhanced 24/7 service and necessary next steps.
Providing the best emergency response to vulnerable populations requires specialized training. In 2011, REACH provided workshops for emergency responders and front line service providers, presenting the latest research on psychological first aid and a standardized protocol for assessing and managing clients in need.
n Clients want clean, safe housing away from the downtown scene and easier access to transportation and jobs.
Critical to the success of 24/7 service delivery is providing front-line workers with mobile access to current (or real time) information about services clients need, such as housing, detox, shelter beds or financial assistance. This year solutions emerged as REACH together with social agencies, emergency services, EPS and two levels of government worked to identify:
n 24/7 service must be offered from various sites and must be non-judgmental.
n Current capacities and requirements for information sharing between service providers.
n The 24/7model must leverage existing poverty reduction strategies and programs.
n Best practices in Canada and around the world.
n While people’s basic needs are similar, strategies to meet them must not be uniform in delivery.
n Many clients have difficulty accessing addiction and mental health services, making it extremely difficult to maintain their wellbeing.
6
n Existing technology that could be utilized from within Edmonton’s IT community, and associated costs.
Possible picture?
Fostering collaboration In September 2011, REACH asked Community Initiatives Against Family Violence (CIAFV) to facilitate the development of a linked protocol between partners of the new Night Safety Centre for sexually exploited individuals. This helps clarify roles and responsibilities, improves communication and capitalizes on the combined expertise of partnering organizations. Linked protocols are a vital element of the 24/7 Service Delivery Model.
“What we heard from our community planning consultations is that there needs to be a better way to connect people to housing and services right away. We need real-time information so providers can confidently make referrals and clients are appropriately matched to existing resources. With REACH, Homeward Trust and other service providers working together as partners, we’re developing a solid, made-inEdmonton solution that will work.” Susan McGee, Executive Director Homeward Trust Edmonton 7
SPOTLIGHT ON ACTION:
VRAP : what you should know VRAP focuses on three key areas: n Prevention/Education: preventing conditions that foster violent behavior.
VRAP
n Intervention: getting between individuals and circumstances that make them vulnerable to crime. n Suppression: identifying and addressing people and groups who are most likely to become involved in violent activities. Edmonton’s overall crime rate has been decreasing since 2008.
Violence Reduction Action Plan
In 2011, there was an unusually high number of homicides in Edmonton. In response, REACH Edmonton, the Edmonton Police Service, the City of Edmonton and the Mayor’s Office coordinated efforts on a new initiative: the Violence Reduction Action Plan, or VRAP. VRAP strategies are aimed at identifying and mitigating conditions which can lead to violent crime. Some of VRAP’s programs are new, others enhance existing efforts. REACH Edmonton’s VRAP role includes the following three actions:
As a result of the INJERA pilot, 40 EPS officers and more than 60 community animators were trained in Cultural Safety.
24/7
INJERA
Community Conversations
“My job is about building healthy relationships. Many in Edmonton’s
REACH’ s work to develop and implement a round-theclock service delivery model, that will provide at-risk, vulnerable Edmontonians access to the help they need, seven days a week, was enhanced with additional City of Edmonton funding.
REACH supports and continues to seek sustainable funding for this initiative, which is aimed at building trust and understanding between refugee and immigrant communities and the Edmonton Police Service. INJERA community animators play a bridging role between police and immigrant communities in the Queen Mary Park and Central McDougall communities. Members of Ethiopian, Eritrean, Somali and Sudanese communities were part of the INJERA pilot.
REACH (working closely with EPS and the City of Edmonton) is coordinating and implementing community conversations throughout Edmonton; bringing people together to learn about VRAP, share ideas on crime prevention and identify solutions that will work in their neighborhoods.
Somali community feel afraid when they see a police officer here, even though they’ve done nothing wrong. But they come from a country where police could be corrupt and violent. So I meet with community members to help them understand the role of police, how the system works and where to go if they have complaints or concerns. The police are learning too, about the people, business and issues in each community. I believe we’ve debunked some myths – it’s working really well.” Guled Hussein, Injera Community Animator – Somalia
8
9
SPOTLIGHT ON ACTION:
Youth programs : what you should know REACH partners with a number of groups and agencies in Edmonton to support innovative youth initiatives. Step Up and Step In addresses youth violence with events in the community and at school, for example the Hip Hop Project in Londonderry/Kilkenny.
REACH
Art REACH involves two E4C programs: the Kids in the Hall Bistro Program at Churchill Square and the Art Start program for young children(run during non-school hours). Both programs use art to help at-risk youth. Youth Speak Edmonton offers a safe, non-judgmental environment for conversation by adolescents and parents about youth crime and change.
Youth Programs
At REACH, we know that involving our city’s youth is critical to our goal of making Edmonton a safer place to live – in both getting their input into community safety issues and developing future community leaders. Already, the creativity, enthusiasm and commitment of REACH youth is making a difference – from a group of young people helping their peers stay away from drugs to individual teens choosing to work with us and turn away from crime.
Drug Strategy
Edmonton Youth Justice Committees
Clareview Youth Engagement Group
REACH works with Youth Action on Addiction, an advisory team of diverse young people, to focus on youth and addiction prevention. In 2011, the group targeted youth and their families, emphasizing the importance of prevention. The group developed some recommendations around more family time, involvement in health activities and guiding young people to discover their passions – in other words, helping families to build addiction prevention into their daily lives. The group’s work is now part of the REACH parents’ tool kit.
REACH is an active supporter of this initiative, which sees volunteers work with youth who are first or second time offenders of non-violent crimes. The youth are referred to an alternative measures program, where volunteers discuss with them the decisions that lead up to their crime. They then collectively decide on how the young person can make up for the crime within the community, within a defined time frame, avoiding the criminal justice system. REACH welcomes these youth into our offices to do community service, helping with administrative tasks and providing us with a welcome perspective on REACH initiatives.
Every Friday afternoon the Clareview Rec Centre comes alive with young people from diverse backgrounds. They’re guided in a variety of activities to help keep them safe and engaged during the crucial after school hours. Every member of the Clareview organizing committee provides in-kind donations of food and materials, so that the initiative is cost-neutral.
YOUTH ACTION ON ADDICTION “I think the big thing is for kids to hear from other kids who’ve been through the journey – who’ve been able to live a healthy life. They need to know that it is possible to make healthy choices. We provide that opportunity. Our group raises awareness and connects youth with the resources they need.” Jennifer Kogan
10
11
SPOTLIGHT ON ACTION:
RIRI : what you should know RIRI projects are increasingly fostering new relationships and touching more people; RIRI groups are reaching out to meet with police officers, to involve other family members, to have their work translated so it can be distributed throughout the community.
RIRI
One RIRI project coordinator says before the RIRI project, many front line workers were uncomfortable and not sure how to intervene in cases of family violence. But now the coordinator is being approached by front line workers who call and ask for help with family violence cases. RIRI partner organizations include: n Multicultural Health Brokers Co-op n Catholic Social Services (in partnership with the Indo Canadian Women’s Association) n Changing Together – a Centre for Immigrant Women n Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers.
REACH Immigrant and Refugee Initiative
In many communities family violence is something that’s simply not discussed openly. But in 2011, when REACH Edmonton brought together a group of people from the city’s refugee and immigrant community to talk about crime prevention – finding solutions to family violence was exactly what they wanted to talk about. That was the start of RIRI – a partnership between REACH and four immigrant/refugee agencies in Edmonton. RIRI recognizes that traditional North American responses to family violence are often not appropriate for refugee and immigrant families because all cultural contexts aren’t taken into consideration. The RIRI vision is to ensure that domestic violence programs recognize different cultural norms and practices, and that solutions are culturally appropriate and meaningful. RIRI programs now include the following:
Healing circle
Men’s Corner
Awareness and education
Immigrant women who have been victims of domestic violence gather in this group to move from abuse to empowerment. With the help of RIRI partner Changing Together, women gain knowledge and skills to help work through challenging or threatening family situations. Empowered women become protective factors in cultural communities.
The Multicultural Health Brokers Co-op has launched a discussion group involving primarily African men. With the help of community connectors, men explore gender relations in a cultural context. Much work has been done to create a safe environment, where men feel they can honestly express their feelings and the psychological barriers that block the way for many to move forward on the issue of family violence.
This year, an information circular on building healthy relationships was translated into seven languages. Much of this information is completely new for these communities, so in the words of the project coordinator, “We’ve learned to repeat, repeat, and repeat.” RIRI partners are also developing a ‘tool kit’ of information and resources for community group facilitators. And we’re sharing what we’re learning with other services providers: in 2011, two RIRI members presented at a Lunch and Learn sponsored by the Ethno-Cultural Family Violence Committee.
Youth ambassadors Eleven young people, with help from the Indo Canadian Women’s Association, met with an EPS officer to consider his experience of family violence within the youths’ community. The young people found out more about resources related to family violence and the officer learned about cultural realities in the community. The officer and young people then copresented at a Sikh Temple youth event.
The focus of this project was initially simply a men’s group. However, in 2011, a complementary women’s group started meeting, offering each other support and connecting with a female police officer. As well, in December, the Men’s Corner hosted a community event at which a man, woman and youth from the community shared their perspective on family violence.
“The causes of crime are complex – solutions have to be built up over time. Everything has to be tied to our culture. So we are taking our own community leaders and training them to deal with our problems. I’m realizing that we can transform a community, but it won’t happen overnight.” Peter Maliah Garpan, President South Sudanese Nuer Canadian Cultural Society
12
13
SPOTLIGHT ON ACTION:
SACH : what you should know Many students in SACH programs have come to Canada as refugees, and have had little or no formal education.
SACH
SACH programs are tailored to fit community needs: some run after school, others on weekends as well and some continue over the summer months. SACH brings families together, providing the physical space and environment for them to build community connections, and supporting them with the practical programs they need.
Schools As Community Hubs
Families who struggle with poverty, addiction and mental health issues, or overwhelming challenges of being new to Canada, can experience difficulty in knowing where to find help. Schools are often the only connection they have with ‘the system’ that can offer assistance. REACH is working with the Edmonton Public School Board, Edmonton Catholic School District, and multiple community partners to create Schools As Community Hubs (SACH). In 2011, three inner city schools joined the program: McCauley, Balwin and St. Alphonsus. The SACH model sees each school site respond to the needs of its specific community; primarily Aboriginal, refugee and immigrant families. REACH coordinates SACH partnerships. We gather and promote key learnings, identify gaps and measure success, ensuring that each SACH team learns from the others.
Partnerships at work
Setting kids up for success
Resilient families and communities
“My classroom is more than the
Involving the right community partners ensures we’re delivering the best possible programs to meet each community’s needs. In 2011, SACH partners and programs included:
Academic success is at the heart of SACH. The Transitions program offered at the Balwin and McCauley schools ensures that recently arrived refugee students acquire the reading, writing and math skills they need before graduating on to regular programming. As well, Edmonton Public Schools uses a variety of strategies to provide academic support in afterschool programs, including math kits and hands-on science demonstrations.
Each School As Community Hub regularly engages families in conversation to see how things are going. Evening activities often begin with a community meal, then people head off to their program, such as English as Another Language (EAL) or computer literacy for parents. Cultural coaches who speak the first language of many students become mentors and form strong relationships with families.
academics. We’ve become a support
n Uncles and Aunts at Large offering the SNAP® (Stop Now and Plan) program, helping children and their parents deal effectively with anger. n University of Alberta nursing students provide health and nutrition expertise. n The Centre for Arts and Music offering a camp and afterschool performance program. n The Centre for Race and Culture offering adult Cree lessons. n Edmonton Public Library staff delivering reading programs. The Edmonton Catholic Schools SACH advisory committee has helped create Criteria for Partnerships, a guideline for assessing potential new partners.
14
In tackling the challenge to engage junior high students in afterschool programming, SACH coordinators enticed students with a ‘Rock Camp’ in partnership with the Centre for Arts and Music’s Rock and Roll Society during the fall break.
Positive results We’re seeing success as the program builds on itself. A Somali youth has returned to the program at Balwin as a mentor. Three other Somali youth have taken the city’s Leaders in Training program to volunteer at the Green Shack summer program. This not only attracts other children from the Somali community to the summer program, it also means these three youth are building relationships with peers through the Leaders in Training program.
group, a safety net for these kids. They’ve come from so much trauma. When they first get here they’re very excited. But after the first month they can become very sad. They realize how big the challenges ahead might be. We keep in close contact with their families who have access to other programs in the hub, and help to explain.” Anastasia Deligianis teaches the Transitions program at McCauley school. 15
SPOTLIGHT ON ACTION:
RALC : what you should know Each RALC partner has a particular crime prevention focus:
MORE
n The Canadian Native Friendship Centre (CNFC) provides recreational and cultural programming. n The Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women offers the REACH Leadership Development program to Aboriginal youth and adults. n Wicihitowin Circle of Shared Responsibility and Stewardship is managing and coordinating RALC.
REACH Programs
REACH Aboriginal Leadership Circle (RALC) The RALC logo, developed in 2011 by RALC partners.
RALC offers cultural and leadership programming for Aboriginal youth and adults – programs that teach both traditional knowledge and practical skills youth will need to become resilient leaders. In April 2011, RALC held its official launch at Edmonton City Hall.
16
RALC programs include: n Powwow Drum, Dance and Regalia: CNFC helps young people learn skills of and protocol behind Powwow. This is traditional knowledge that strengthens their sense of identity and belonging to the Aboriginal community, and demonstrates how to walk a path that doesn’t include drugs, violence or crime.
Edmonton Stop Marijuana Grow Ops Coalition n Leadership Development Program: IAAW helps Aboriginal young adults develop skills needed to serve as leaders within the broader Edmonton community. In 2011, four young women from this program had become board or committee members for organizations in Edmonton. n Wicihitowin has, among other things, fostered important relationship building including developing a partnership between its Community Youth Circle and the Rotary Club, working with Edmonton city police and developing a conference to address challenges faced by Aboriginal women who have been in prison.
This coalition focuses on building awareness about marijuana grow ops and advocates for legislative change in dealing with them. REACH is one of numerous partners in this initiative. In 2011, REACH produced a brochure to help Edmontonians know how to spot a grow op in their neighborhood.
Two addressed safety and prevention within cultural contexts (Aboriginal, and immigrant and refugee).
“This has helped me realize great leaders aren’t just born. They are made through hard work. I’m more confident now. I can see what I really want in life, not just what I think is good for me.”
One addressed citizen engagement in safety at the neighborhood level.
Kaitin, Leadership Development Program participant
An Ounce of Prevention This joint-funding pilot, in partnership with the City of Edmonton’s Community Services Advisory Board, supported 11 prevention projects in 2011. Five projects used sports, arts and leadership engagement to build resiliency among at-risk youth. Three projects addressed the concept of developing schools as community hubs.
17
REACH EDMONTON COUNCIL
Statement of Operations Year ended December 31, 2011, with comparative figures for the period from May 7, 2010 to December 31, 2010
REVENUE
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
PROGRAM EXPENSES
Contributions: City of Edmonton – operating Safe Communities Innovation Fund Family Community Support Services Health Canada Alberta Community Initiative Fund Memberships Miscellaneous revenue Interest income
Salaries and benefits Contributions to other organizations Consulting fees Sponsorship Office and general Rent Advertising Professional fees Amortization of capital assets Training Meeting expenses Insurance Telephone Interest and bank charges
Safe Communities Innovation Fund Family and Community Support Services Health Canada
Total expenses Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenses
18
2011
2010
$ 1,531,820 935,952 250,000 163,843 4,850 6,503 2,323
$ 500,000 796,481 524,090 6,450 -
2,895,291
1,827,021
766,238 180,735 60,833 47,563 29,838 28,820 28,811 16,507 16,468 10,817 10,114 6,983 8,959 708
516,637 75,773 174,388 31,950 53,175 11,754 1,166 38,054 25,149 3,155 4,345 791
1,213,394
936,337
935,952 250,000 163,843
796,481 -
1,349,795
796,481
2,563,189
1,732,818
$ 332,102
$ 94,203
19
Our team REACH Board of Directors 2011
REACH Staff 2011
Jon Hall Chair
Leigh-Anne Palter Vice Chair
Hassan Ali
Jarrod Bayne
Jan Fox, Executive Director Kate Gunn, Interim Executive Director (to Sep. 2011) Andrew Bialowas Jonathan Clark Lindsay Daniller Elaine Hoekstra (to Sep. 2011) Kelly Holland Michelle Horchuk (to Sep. 2011) Brittany Lewchuk Holly Miller Ambere Rosborough (to Aug. 2011) Valda Roberts Helen Rusich Adele Towns
Barb Dart (to Feb. 2011)
Kyle Dubé
Robert (Bob) Dunster
Steve Hogle
Call to action At REACH Edmonton, we know the best solutions to crime prevention start within the community. So REACH will always be member and community driven; we offer memberships to any person, group or organization wanting to take an active role in making Edmonton a safer city. REACH members can be involved in everything from offering new ideas and approaches, to working on committees, to being nominated for the REACH Board of Directors.
Our thanks The work we do at REACH Edmonton is possible because of the generous support we receive from the City of Edmonton, the Government of Alberta and Health Canada.
REACH Advisors 2011
Jacqueline Janelle
Rod Knecht
Ian McCormack Treasurer
Kate Quinn
Amarjeet Sohi Kathy Barnhart Kurt Sandstrom Gerald Lamoureux Catherine Keill
REACH us: On Facebook:
www.facebook.com/reachedmonton
Email:
info@reachedmonton.ca
Call:
780-498-1231
Mail:
REACH Edmonton Suite 901, Baker Centre 10025 106 Street NW Edmonton AB T5J 1G4
Website:
www.reachedmonton.ca
In 2011, more than 76 individuals and 64 organizations and agencies joined REACH Edmonton. To become a member, contact REACH at www.reachedmonton.ca
20
Fred Rayner Past Chair
Madhu Sood (to June 2011)
Rachelle Venne
Honourable Allan H. Wachowich Q.C. LL.D
21
www.reachedmonton.ca